Data communication system, device, and method

ABSTRACT

A data communication device that can communicate with an external device includes a scanner, a log-in processing unit, a sending unit, and a log-out processing unit. The scanner inputs image data. The log-in processing unit enables a user to log in to the data communication device. The user who logs in to the data communication device can submit an instruction to send image data input by the scanner to the external device. The sending unit sends the image data input by the scanner to the external device. The log-out processing unit enables the user to log out of the data communication device even if sending of the image data is not completed. Even if the user logs out of the data communication device after the user has submitted the instruction and before sending of the image data is completed, the sending unit continues the sending of the image data.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/609692, filed on Dec. 12, 2006, which claims priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2005-366454, filed Dec. 20, 2005, all ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates particularly, though not exclusively, to adata communication device, a data communication system, and a datacommunication method in which storage areas of storage devices connectedvia networks to the data communication device and the data communicationsystem can be accessed.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, the number of systems in which data processing devices such aspersonal computers (PCs) or multi functional printers are shared among aplurality of users has increased. The background to this may be thatmany recent data processing devices include high-capacity storagedevices, and thus, even when the data processing devices are sharedamong a plurality of users, each user can store the user's own data inthe data processing devices. Accordingly, a type of data processingdevice has come into use, which has a user authentication function toensure security of data stored in the data processing device. In manycases, a user identification (ID) and a corresponding password areinput, or an integrated circuit (IC) card on which user information isrecorded is used for user authentication. Thus, log in and log outoperations can be easily performed when the data processing device isused.

Recently, a type of system has come into use, to which a plurality ofdata processing devices are connected via a network. For example, aplurality of data processing devices are connected to a system via alocal area network (LAN), such as a company LAN or a home LAN, or theInternet.

In these environments, a user may operate one data processing device toaccess data stored in another data processing device to which the onedata processing device is connected via a network. For example, the usercan submit an instruction to move data stored in one data processingdevice to a storage area of another data processing device. Moreover, auser can readily move data stored in one data processing device operatedby the user or data input by scanning an original document using ascanner provided in the one data processing device to a storage area ofanother data processing device.

When access to storage areas of data processing devices on networks isfacilitated in this way, a problem of security occurs. That is to say,when any user can access data stored in data processing devices onnetworks, confidentiality of data cannot be secured.

Thus, when data processing devices or storage areas to be accessed vianetworks are shared among a plurality of users, in addition toauthentication of the users, who operate the data processing devices,access rights to the data processing devices or the storage areas needto be assigned to the individual users. Items of data that can beaccessed by users can be restricted by determining data processingdevices or storage areas that can be accessed via networks by individualusers, authenticated by a user authentication function. In thisarrangement, only authorized users can access the individual items ofdata via networks to update or move the items of data.

For example, a data communication system is disclosed in Japanese PatentLaid-Open No. 2001-188699, in which data is shared among a plurality ofusers via networks and access to the shared data is controlled for eachuser. Such a system is currently used in intranets, LANs, or the like.

However, a problem may occur when a user operates one data processingdevice to process data stored in a storage area of another dataprocessing device to which the first data processing device is connectedvia a network. For example, the user first operates the one dataprocessing device to log in the other data processing device to accessthe other data processing device and the storage area. In thissituation, when the user logs out of the one data processing devicewhile the data is being processed using the storage area, dataprocessing is aborted at that point, as shown in FIG. 9A.

The term “log in” shown in FIG. 9A means that the user is put in astatus in which the user can submit an instruction to perform processingusing functions of the one data processing device. The term “log out”shown in FIG. 9A means that the user is put in a status in which theuser cannot submit the instruction. The term “enable access” means thataccess to the storage area in a network is enabled. The term “disableaccess” means that access to the storage area is disabled.

Thus, in the known art, the user needs to keep logging into the one dataprocessing device until processing of the data in the storage area ofthe other data processing device is completed, so that data processingis not aborted. Accordingly, the user, who operates the one dataprocessing device, needs to wait for completion of data processing inthe other data processing device to log out of the one data processingdevice. In this situation, the user needs to attend the one dataprocessing device until data processing is completed. Thus, theoperation is inefficient, because when the amount of data to beprocessed is large, a long period of time is necessary before the usercan log out of the one data processing device after data processing isstarted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention was made in view of the aforementioned problemsand provides a data communication device, a data communication system,and a data communication method, in which, when data stored in a storagedevice connected via a network is processed, a logged-in user canperform a log-out operation before data processing is completed, and theongoing data processing can be appropriately completed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a datacommunication device that can communicate with an external deviceincludes a scanner configured to input image data, a log-in processingunit configured to enable a user to log in to the data communicationdevice, wherein the user who logs in to the data communication devicecan submit an instruction to send image data input by the scanner to theexternal device, a sending unit configured to send the image data inputby the scanner to the external device, a log-out processing unitconfigured to enable the user to log out of the data communicationdevice even if sending of the image data is not completed, wherein, evenif the user logs out of the data communication device after the user hassubmitted the instruction and before sending of the image data iscompleted, the sending unit continues the sending of the image data.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporates in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principle of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a general system in which multi functionalprinters according to exemplary embodiments are used.

FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of a multi functional printer accordingto a first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an overall view of an operation unit in the multi functionalprinter according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a user authentication screen according to the firstexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a copy main screen according to the first exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a send/facsimile main screen according to the firstexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a box main screen according to the first exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a box details screen according to the first exemplaryembodiment.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams of basic operation in the firstexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a screen that appears in the first exemplary embodimentduring a period between the time when a user logs out of the multifunctional printer and the time when data processing is completed.

FIG. 11 is the first half of a flowchart of the operation in the firstexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is the second half of the flowchart of the operation in thefirst exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is the second half of a flowchart of the operation in a secondexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is the second half of a flowchart of the operation in a thirdexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is the second half of a flowchart of the operation in a fourthexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows an identification information table according to theexemplary embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will now bedescribed.

First Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a general system in which multi functionalprinters according to the present invention are used. For example, multifunctional printers 101 and 102 can print or store image data obtainedby scanning an original document or can send the image data to externaldevices.

A personal computer (PC) 103 can generate print data and cause the multifunctional printers 101 and 102 to print the print data. The PC 103 anda server 105 can receive and store the image data input by scanning theoriginal document by the multi functional printers 101 and 102.

A LAN 106 is a network to which the multi functional printers 101 and102, the PC 103, an authentication server 104, and the server 105 areconnected. The PC 103, the authentication server 104, and the server 105can be accessed from the multi functional printers 101 and 102 via theLAN 106. Any connection medium can be used to establish connection,which enables duplex communication. Any known protocol may be used fordata transfer between these components, for example, the Hyper TextTransfer Protocol (HTTP) or the File Transfer Protocol (FTP).Alternatively, a user-specific application protocol may be used.

In the first exemplary embodiment, IC card readers for personalauthentication are individually connected to the multi functionalprinters 101 and 102, the PC 103, the authentication server 104, and theserver 105. Each IC card reader reads identification information storedin an IC card and sends the identification information to theauthentication server 104. When the authentication server 104 determinesby comparing the received identification information with correspondingidentification information that is registered in advance that thesepieces of identification information coincide with each other, acorresponding user can use a device to which the IC card reader isconnected. Verification of identification information need not beperformed by the authentication server 104 on the network, and averification unit may be provided in each device and performverification of identification information as an alternative.

The PC 103 and the server 105 include a plurality of storage areas.Access rights to individual storage areas can be assigned to differentusers. Each user is authenticated on the basis of user inputidentification information and can access a storage area that is set inadvance so that the user can access the storage area. Then, the usercan, for example, browse, update, and retrieve data stored in thestorage area.

FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of the multi functional printer 101according to the first exemplary embodiment. A controller unit 200 isconnected to a scanner 240 that is an image input device, and a printer250 that is an image output device, and controls input and output ofimage data and the like. Moreover, the controller unit 200 is connectedto a LAN 221 and a wide area network (WAN) (a public circuit) 222 andcontrols communication of various types of data and device data.

A central processing unit (CPU) 201 functions as a controller thatperforms overall control of the system. A random access memory (RAM) 202functions as a system work memory for the CPU 201 to operate, a memoryfor temporarily storing various types of data, and a work memory onwhich various types of application are executed. A read only memory(ROM) 207 is a boot ROM in which a boot program of the system is stored.

A hard disk drive (HDD) 208 stores system software, various types ofdata, various types of application, various types of history of jobsthat are processed in the multi functional printer 101, and the like.The HDD 208 can be accessed from other devices on the network via anetwork interface (I/F) 204 described below. Moreover, the HDD 208stores program code that performs a process, for example, shown in theflowcharts described below. The CPU 201 loads the program code into theRAM 202 to perform process control according to the flowchart.

An operation unit I/F 203 is an interface with an operation unit 230that includes a touch panel and outputs display data to be displayed onthe operation unit 230 to the operation unit 230. The operation unit I/F203 also sends the CPU 201 instructions input from the operation unit230 by the user.

The network I/F 204 is connected to the LAN 221 (corresponding to theLAN 106 shown in FIG. 1) and inputs and outputs various types of data. Amodulator-demodulator (MODEM) 205 is connected to the WAN 222 and inputsand outputs facsimile data. The aforementioned components are placed ona system bus 223.

An image bus I/F 209 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 223 toa bus 224 for rapidly transferring image data and the like and convertsdata structures. The bus 224 includes a Peripheral ComponentInterconnect (PCI) bus, an Institute of Electrical and ElectronicsEngineers (IEEE) 1394 bus, etc..

The following devices are placed on the bus 224: a raster imageprocessor (RIP) 211, a device I/F 212, a scanner image-processing unit213, a printer image-processing unit 214, an image rotation unit 215, animage compression unit 216, and an encryption/decryption processing unit210. The RIP 211 generates a bitmap image from Page Description Language(PDL) code received from, for example, the PC 103. The device I/F 212connects the scanner 240, the printer 250, and the like to thecontroller unit 200.

The scanner image-processing unit 213 corrects, processes, and editsscan data input from the scanner 240. The printer image-processing unit214 performs, for example, correction and resolution conversion of animage represented by print data to be output to the printer 250. Theimage rotation unit 215 rotates an image. The image compression unit 216compresses multi-level image data using, for example, the JointPhotographic Experts Group (JPEG) method and compresses bi-level imagedata using, for example, the Joint Bi-level Image experts Group (JBIG)method, the Modified Modified Read (MMR) method, or the Modified Huffman(MH) method. The image compression unit 216 also decompresses compressedimage data.

A removable media slot 206 is a slot in which a removable data storagemedium, such as a memory card, can be inserted. The removable media slot206 can store and read image data and the like in and from the removabledata storage medium. In the first exemplary embodiment, an IC card foruser authentication is used. The encryption/decryption processing unit210 encrypts and decrypts data using a predetermined encryption key.

A storage medium used for user authentication may be the aforementionedIC card or a magnetic card. Alternatively, a storage medium need not beused for user authentication, and user authentication may as analternative be performed on the basis of a user ID and a correspondingpersonal identification number that are input from the operation unit230 by a user. The structure of the multi functional printer 102 issimilar to the structure of the multi functional printer 101.

FIG. 3 is an overall view of the operation unit 230 in the multifunctional printer 101 according to the first exemplary embodiment. Aliquid crystal display (LCD) unit 310 includes an LCD to which a touchpanel sheet is attached and displays a system operation screen. When oneof the displayed keys is pressed, the LCD unit 310 sends the positionalinformation to the CPU 201.

A start key 320 is used to, for example, start to read an originaldocument image and start various types of data processing. A lightemitting diode (LED) having two colors of green and red is provided inthe central area of the start key 320, and the color of the LEDindicates whether the start key 320 is in a status in which the startkey 320 can be used. A stop key 330 stops operation in process.

A hardkey group 340 includes a numeric keypad, a clear key, a reset key,a guide key, a user-mode key, an ID key 341, and the like. The ID key341 is used by a user inputting user identification information to loginto the multi functional printer 101. When the user presses the ID key341 while logged into the multi functional printer 101, the user logsout of the multi functional printer 101. The reset key is used to resetvarious types of settings input from the operation unit 230.

FIG. 4 shows an operation screen for user authentication, in the initialstate, that appears on the LCD unit 310 in FIG. 3. In the firstexemplary embodiment, user authentication is performed usingidentification information stored in an IC card, or a user ID and acorresponding personal identification number that are input from theoperation unit 230 by the user. A personal identification number is notlimited to numerical characters, and alphabetical characters or symbolsmay be used as a personal identification number.

Specifically, in a case where an IC card is used, when the IC card,which stores identification information for authenticating the user, isinserted in the removable media slot 206, the identification informationstored in the IC card is read and sent to the authentication server 104.In a case where user authentication is performed using a user ID and acorresponding personal identification number, when the user presses theID key 341 after entering necessary data in a user-ID input field 401and a personal-identification-number input field 402, the user ID andthe corresponding personal identification number are sent to theauthentication server 104 as user identification information.

The authentication server 104 compares the received identificationinformation with a plurality of pieces of identification informationregistered in advance. It is determined whether the receivedidentification information is the same as any one of the plurality ofpieces of registered identification information. When it is determinedthat the received identification information is the same as one of theplurality of pieces of registered identification information, the useris allowed to log in the multi functional printer 101. Otherwise, theuser is not allowed to log in the multi functional printer 101.

FIG. 16 shows an identification information table stored in theauthentication server 104. Pieces of identification information foridentifying users and corresponding pieces of area identificationinformation defining storage areas that can be accessed by theindividual users (fields 1601 to 1604) are managed in the identificationinformation table, as shown in the drawing. Pieces of information foridentifying storage areas set in the HDD 208 are input in the field1601. Pieces of information for identifying external storage areasconnected to the multi functional printer 101 via the network (the LAN221) are input in the fields 1602 to 1604.

For example, “0123” is entered as a user ID. In this case, a user 0123is registered in the identification information table in the drawing.Thus, when a corresponding personal identification number that isentered at the same time coincides with that set for the user 0123, theuser can log in the multi functional printer 101. In the identificationinformation table, BOX1 in the HDD 208, BOX7 in DeviceA, all storageareas in DeviceB, and BOX1 in DeviceC are registered as storage areasthat can be accessed by the user 0123, who logs into the multifunctional printer 101. In the first exemplary embodiment, a user ID anda corresponding personal identification number that are respectivelyentered in the user-ID input field 401 and thepersonal-identification-number input field 402 in FIG. 4 are sent to theauthentication server 104, and the authentication server 104 verifiesthe user ID and the corresponding personal identification number. Whenthe user ID and the corresponding personal identification numbercoincide with those registered in advance the user can log in andreceive information showing storage areas that can be accessed by theuser from the authentication server 104. The content of theidentification information table may be automatically updated insynchronization with an update operation in each device.

When user authentication is performed by a verification unit provided ina terminal operated by a user instead of the authentication server 104,the verification unit includes the identification information table. Inthe aforementioned method for user authentication, a user ID and acorresponding personal identification number are input from theoperation unit 230, or a contact IC card is used. Alternatively, forexample, a non-contact IC card or fingerprint authentication may beadopted.

FIG. 5 shows a copy main screen that appears on the operation unit 230when a user has been authenticated by the aforementioned operation andlogged into the multi functional printer 101. The multi functionalprinter 101 according to the first exemplary embodiment has four mainfunctions of copy, send/facsimile, box, and remote scanner. These fourfunctions correspond to four main tabs 501 to 504 that appear on the topof the operation screen shown in FIG. 5. When each of the main tabs 501to 504 is selected, a screen of the corresponding function appears.

The copy function performs local copy using the scanner 240 or theprinter 250. The send/facsimile function sends image data by electronicmail (e-mail), a facsimile, or file transfer, stores image data in abox, or transfers image data to a database. In this function, aplurality of destinations can be specified.

The box function stores data read by the scanner 240, data received by afacsimile, or data generated from PDL data received from the PC 103 orthe like in a predetermined storage area (a box). This function canfurther, for example, preview, combine, insert, move, or erase datastored in a box. The remote scanner function causes the scanner 240 toread data and send the read data to an external device connected to themulti functional printer 101 via networks in response to an instructionfrom the external device.

When the start key 320 is pressed after settings related to the copyfunction, for example, the scale, the number copies, and paper size, areconfigured on the copy main screen shown in FIG. 5, copying operation isstarted. The configuration of the copy main screen, the initial settingson the copy main screen, or the like can be customized for individualusers.

FIG. 6 shows a send/facsimile main screen that appears when the main tab502 is selected. When the start key 320 is pressed after settings (forexample, a transmission method, a transmission destination, and readingsettings for a document to be sent) are configured on this screen, adocument is read by the scanner 240 and a transmission operation isstarted.

FIG. 7 shows a box main screen that appears when the main tab 503 isselected. A list is displayed on this screen. The list includes storageareas, boxes, folders, and files in the HDD 208 and the external devicesassociated with a user who has logged into the multi functional printer101 on the screen shown in FIG. 4. The storage areas, the boxes, thefolders, and the files are set in advance so that they can be accessedby the user. Specifically, information for identifying storage areas isobtained from the authentication server 104 (or the multi functionalprinter 101), the storage areas being associated with a user ID that isused when a user is authenticated to log on the multi functional printer101. Then, the CPU 201 accesses the access areas on the basis of theobtained information. The term “box” represents a storage area that isallocated in a storage device in the initial state, and the term“folder” represents a storage area that can be freely created by a userin a desired storage area.

A list of boxes, folders, and files that can be accessed by thelogged-in user or attribute information (for example, a file name) isreceived from each external device (a storage device) in advance. Then,when the main tab 503 is selected, boxes, folders, and files aredisplayed in a list format, as shown in FIG. 7. Each storage device,each box, and each folder are assigned to users who can access thestorage device, the box, and the folder. Thus, even when a user canaccess a box, the user may not be allowed to access a folder set in thebox. In this case, the user can access only files stored in the box, notin the folder.

A piece of data is displayed in an area 701 on the screen shown in FIG.7, which is stored in a local storage area, i.e., an area that can beaccessed by the user, who is currently logged into the multi functionalprinter 101, in the storage area of the HDD 208. The status in which anicon 711 is displayed means that the user can access a box named BOX1.

An area 702 represents a storage area of an external device namedDeviceA, for example, the PC 103 or the multi functional printer 102,connected to the multi functional printer 101 via the network. Whenthere is no area in a storage area of an external device that can beaccessed by the user, or when a communication error occurs in thenetwork, only the storage area of LOCAL is displayed.

In FIG. 7, FolderA, BOX1, and DOCUMENT1 are displayed in the area 702for DeviceA. That is to say, since the user can access DeviceA, the usercan access DOCUMENT1, which is a file stored not in the box and thefolder but in DeviceA. Moreover, since the user can access FolderA andBOX1, corresponding icons are displayed, and the user can access filesstored in the storage areas of FolderA and BOX1, as described below withreference to FIG. 8. Another box BOX2 set in DeviceA is not shownbecause BOX2 is not set so that the user can access BOX2.

In the drawing, a box, a folder, or the like are displayed in eachstorage area in a hierarchical format so that the user can readilyrecognize their places. Alternatively, another display method may beadopted. For example, all files that can be accessed by the logged-inuser out of the files stored in DeviceA may be displayed in a listformat. Moreover, a top screen like that shown in FIG. 7 may not bedisplayed every time the user logs into the multi functional printer101, but a screen that was displayed when the user logged out of themulti functional printer 101 the last time may be displayed. Moreover,the user may freely customize the configuration of a screen that appearswhen the user logs into the multi functional printer 101.

FIG. 8 shows a detailed screen that shows the content of one of theareas, including the areas 701 and 702 shown in FIG. 7, when the userselects the area. In this case, a list of pieces of data stored in BOX1in the area 702 in FIG. 7 is displayed. The user can select varioustypes of processing of the pieces of data in the list on this screen.Specifically, when the user presses one of buttons 811 to 817corresponding to a user-desired type of processing after selecting atleast one of the pieces of data in the list, the selected type of dataprocessing is started.

When the user presses the preview button 811, a preview image of theselected piece of data is received from DeviceA via the LAN 221 to bedisplayed on the LCD unit 310. When the user presses the print button812, a detailed print settings screen appears. Then, the user sendsDeviceA an instruction to output the selected piece of data to a deviceas a print job after specifying the device together with the number ofcopies, the paper size, the type of finishing, and the like. When theuser presses the move button 813, a detailed move settings screenappears. The user can move or copy the selected piece of data to auser-desired storage area on this screen. When an arrangement isadopted, in which data can be moved by dragging and dropping acorresponding icon onto a user-desired storage area on the screen shownin FIG. 7, the user can submit an instruction to move data by asimplified operation.

When the user presses the combine button 814, a detailed combinesettings screen appears. The user can combine the selected two or morepieces of data on this screen. When the user presses the insert button815, a detailed insert settings screen appears. The user can insert theselected piece of data on this screen. When the user presses the erasebutton 816, the selected piece of data is erased.

When the user presses the read document button 817 if a folder or a boxis selected, a detailed document read settings screen appears. On thisscreen, the user can cause the scanner 240 to read a document afterconfiguring detailed settings on document reading (for example, thepaper size and the resolution), send the scan data to DeviceA, and storethe scan data in the selected folder or box.

The execution of the aforementioned various types of processingcorresponding to the buttons 811 to 817 may be restricted for eachlog-in user in a manner that depends on storage areas that are set sothat the log-in user can access the storage areas. For example, a userwho has the authority to perform only a viewing operation may bepermitted to perform only a preview operation and print operation, and auser who has the authority to perform editing operation may be permittedto perform a move operation, a combine operation, and an insertoperation in addition to a preview operation and print operation. Inthis arrangement, data can be shared among a plurality of users while ahigher security level is achieved.

The aforementioned various types of processing involve communication viathe LAN 221. Thus, it may take a long time to complete processing forsome types of data to be processed and some types of processing. Forexample, it takes a short time to erase a small amount of data. However,it may take a long time to move a large amount of data. Moreover, whendata scanned by the multi functional printer 101 is stored in anexternal storage area, it may take a long time to perform readingoperation and data transmission.

FIGS. 9A and 9B schematically show timing of log-in and log-off,enabling and disabling access, and starting and completing dataprocessing. The abscissa represents time. In the known art, after theuser logs in the multi functional printer 101 at a point 901 and the CPU201 starts to access an external device using identification informationthat is used when the user logs in the multi functional printer 101 at apoint 903, data processing is started at a point 905, as shown in FIG.9A. However, the user may log out of the multi functional printer 101 bypressing the ID key 341 at a point 902 when data processing is notcompleted. In this case, access to the external device is disabled at apoint 904 when the user logs out of the multi functional printer 101,and thus ongoing data processing is aborted at a point 906.

On the other hand, in the first exemplary embodiment, even after theuser logs out of the multi functional printer 101 by pressing the ID key341 at a point 912, access to the external device is kept until dataprocessing is completed at a point 916, and when data processing iscompleted at the point 916, access to the external device is disabled ata point 914, as shown in FIG. 9B. Thus, even when the user logs out ofthe multi functional printer 101 during data processing, data processingis to be completed without being aborted. Moreover, the user can log outof the multi functional printer 101 before data processing is completed.That is to say, even when the user does not attend the multi functionalprinter 101 during data processing, operation by another user can beprevented while the user is logging in the multi functional printer 101.

The term “log in” means that the user is authenticated to be put in astatus in which the user can submit an instruction to perform processingusing functions (for example, copy, transmission, and data edit) of themulti functional printer 101. The term “log out” means that the user isput in a status in which the user cannot submit the instruction. Theterm “access period” represents a period between the time when access toa storage area associated with the user via the LAN 221 is enabled andthe time when the access is disabled, during which the access is kept.The term “enable access” means that the multi functional printer 101 isput in a status in which communication between a storage area to beaccessed and the multi functional printer 101 is enabled, and data canbe written to and read from the storage area. The term “disable access”means shutting down communication between the CPU 201 and an externaldevice. FIG. 9B is different from FIG. 9A in that, even when the userlogs out of the multi functional printer 101, access to an externaldevice is kept in FIG. 9B. In this case, only functions that need toaccess an external device may be functions that require the user to login to the multi functional printer 101.

FIG. 10 shows a screen that appears on the LCD unit 310 during a periodbetween the time when the user logs out of the multi functional printer101 at the point 912 and the time when data processing is completed atthe point 916 in FIG. 9B. In the first exemplary embodiment, when accessto a storage area is kept after the user logs out of the multifunctional printer 101, another user is prohibited from logging in themulti functional printer 101 until the access is disabled. Thus,different users can be prevented from accessing the same storage area atthe same time, or a new user can be prevented from accessing a storagearea that can be accessed by a preceding user by a simplified process.

A progress bar 1001 is displayed on the LCD unit 310 to showapproximately when ongoing data processing is completed, i.e., whenanother user can log in the multi functional printer 101. Moreover, whenthe other user attempts to log in to the multi functional printer 101, awarning may be displayed, which states that the other user cannot log inthe multi functional printer 101 because access to a storage area iskept for data processing. In this arrangement, the other user canquickly know the reason why they cannot log in the multi functionalprinter 101 and when they can log in the multi functional printer 101.Moreover, an arrangement may be adopted, in which identificationinformation or a user ID and a corresponding personal identificationnumber are accepted, and when the other user is put in a status in whichthe other user can log in to the multi functional printer 101, reservedlog-in is executed, in which the other user is automatically caused tolog in to the multi functional printer 101. When reserved log-in isadopted, the other user can utilize time during which the other userwaits to operate the multi functional printer 101. Moreover, offlinelog-in may be adopted, in which the other user can perform functionsother than the box function. When offline log-in is adopted, the otheruser can use offline functions that do not depend on storage areasassociated with individual users, for example, the copy, send/facsimile,and remote scanner functions, before ongoing data processing iscompleted.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are parts of a flowchart of the operation in the firstexemplary embodiment, which is controlled by the CPU 201. In a waitstatus in which no log-in user exists, in step S1101, it is firstdetermined whether log-in operation by a user has been detected. When itis determined that log-in operation by the user has been detected, theprocess proceeds to step S1102 where user authentication is performed onthe user authentication screen to determine whether user authenticationhas been successfully completed.

When it is determined that user authentication has been successfullycompleted, the process proceeds to step S1103 where the authenticateduser is caused to log in to the multi functional printer 101. Otherwise,the process proceeds to step S1109 where authentication error handlingis performed, in which, for example, a message stating that userauthentication has failed is displayed on the operation unit 230. Then,the status returns to a wait status.

After the user logs into the multi functional printer 101 in step S1103,in step S1104, on the basis of information for identifying an accessiblestorage area assigned to the log-in user (the table shown in FIG. 16 isreferred to), the accessible storage area is accessed. In this status,the user can submit an instruction to perform data processing using theaccessed storage area. Then, in step S1105, the CPU 201 starts tomonitor log-out operation by the user. When a log-out operation by theuser has been detected, the process proceeds to step S1106 where theuser is caused to log out of the multi functional printer 101.

In this case, the log-out operation is performed by the user pressingthe ID key 341. Alternatively, another method may be adopted. Forexample, in a case where an IC card is used, when the IC card is pulledout, the user is caused to log out of the multi functional printer 101.As a further alternative, when a predetermined period of time haselapsed after the last user operation or when an infrared sensor hasdetected that the user leaves the multi functional printer 101, the usermay be automatically caused to log out of the multi functional printer101.

After S1106, in step S1107, it is determined whether data processing isongoing. When it is determined that data processing is ongoing, theprocess proceeds to step S1201 in FIG. 12. Otherwise, the processproceeds to step S1108 where access to the storage area is disabled(communication is terminated). Then, the status returns to a waitstatus.

In this case, assumed ongoing data processing includes only dataprocessing related to the box function shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 using anexternal storage area, for example, data processing in which data storedin an external storage area is moved to another storage area included ina storage area that can be accessed by a log-in user, or data processingin which data read by the scanner 240 is stored in an external storagearea. In other words, the assumed ongoing data processing does notinclude data processing in which an external storage area is not used,for example, a local copy job in which the scanner 240 and the printer250 are used, or an e-mail transmission job in which an e-mail messageis sent to a mail server that is a storage device irrelevant to the boxfunction. Thus, even when it is determined in step S1107 that thesetypes of data processing are ongoing, the process proceeds to stepS1108. However, regardless of whether the external storage area is used,access to the external storage area may be kept when at least one typeof data processing related to the logged-in user is ongoing.

In step S1201 in FIG. 12, it is determined whether ongoing dataprocessing has been completed. When it is determined that ongoing dataprocessing has been completed, the process proceeds to step S1202 whereaccess to the storage area is disabled. Then, the status returns to await status. During a period between steps S1106 and S1202, another useris prohibited from logging into the multi functional printer 101, asdescribed above (or the other user is prohibited from using the boxfunction even when the other user is allowed to log into the multifunctional printer 101).

In the first exemplary embodiment, when data processing is performedusing an external storage area, a logged-in user can log out of themulti functional printer 101 to leave the multi functional printer 101before the data processing is completed. Thus, the efficiency of theuser's operation can be improved. Moreover, even when the user logs outof the multi functional printer 101, an operation screen like that shownin FIG. 10 is displayed. Thus, security can be ensured because anotheruser cannot operate the external storage area while access to theexternal storage area is kept.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

A second exemplary embodiment according to the present invention willnow be described. The description of components similar to those in thefirst exemplary embodiment is omitted here. The second exemplaryembodiment is different from the first exemplary embodiment in that,after a user logs out of the multi functional printer 101 in step S1106in FIG. 11, a notification is sent when data processing has beencompleted, and data processing is cancelled and access to a storage areais disabled when a data processing error has occurred.

FIG. 13 is the second half of a flowchart of the operation in the secondexemplary embodiment, which is controlled by the CPU 201. When it isdetermined in step S1107 in FIG. 11 that data processing is ongoing, theprocess proceeds to step S1301. In step S1301, a data processing erroris monitored during data processing. A data processing error includes,for example, an error in which data stored in one storage area cannot bemoved to another storage area due to shortage of an available area inthe other storage area and an error in which a paper jam or a networkfailure occurs when data read by the scanner 240 is stored in anexternal storage area.

When data processing has been completed without an error, the processproceeds to step S1303 where a notification is sent to a nominatedcontact point, which states that data processing has been completedwithout an error. Thus, even when the user logs out of and leaves themulti functional printer 101 during user-designated data processing, theuser can be notified that the user-designated data processing has beencompleted. Then, in step S1304, access to the user accessible storagearea is disabled, and the status returns to a wait status.

On the other hand, when an error has been detected in step S1301, theprocess proceeds to step S1305. In step S1305, data processing in whichan error has occurred is cancelled. Then, in step S1306, a notificationis sent to the user, which states that an error has occurred. Thus, theuser, who logged out of the multi functional printer 101, can benotified that the user-designated data processing has not beensuccessfully completed due to an error. Then, the process proceeds tostep S1304. In this case, an arrangement is provided for registering inadvance an e-mail address as a contact point to which a notification issent for each user. In this arrangement, the user can specify a contactpoint by the log-in operation. The user may specify a contact point fromthe operation unit 230 after the log-in operation.

In the second exemplary embodiment, even when a user logs out of themulti functional printer 101 during user-designated data processing inwhich an external storage area is used, the user can be readily notifiedwhether the user-designated data processing has been normally completed.Moreover, even when an error has occurred during the user-designateddata processing, the data processing is automatically cancelled, and thestatus returns to a wait status. In this status, the next user can usethe multi functional printer 101.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

A third exemplary embodiment according to the present invention will nowbe described. The description of components similar to those in thefirst exemplary embodiment is omitted here. The third exemplaryembodiment is different from the first exemplary embodiment in that, ina case where access to a storage area accessible by a preceding user iskept though the preceding user logs out of the multi functional printer101, another user is allowed to log in to the multi functional printer101 when the same accessible storage area is assigned to the precedinguser and the other user.

FIG. 14 is the second half of a flowchart of the operation in the thirdexemplary embodiment, which is controlled by the CPU 201. When it isdetermined in step S1107 in FIG. 11 that data processing is ongoing, theprocess proceeds to step S1401. In step S1401, it is determined whethera log-in operation by another user has been detected during the dataprocessing. Log-in operation means, for example, pressing the ID key 341after entering a user ID and a corresponding personal identificationnumber on the log-in screen shown in FIG. 4.

When it is determined that a log-in operation by another user has notbeen detected during the data processing, access to a storage areaaccessible by the preceding user is disabled in step S1403 uponcompletion of the data processing, and the status returns to a waitstatus. On the other hand, when it is determined that a log-in operationby another user has been detected during the data processing, theprocess proceeds to step S1404, and user authentication is performed onthe other user. In step S1404, it is determined whether userauthentication has been successfully completed. When it is determinedthat user authentication has been successfully completed, the processproceeds to step S1405. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1406where authentication error handling is performed, in which, for example,a message stating that user authentication has failed is displayed, andthe status returns to a wait status. In step S1405, it is determinedwhether the same accessible storage area is assigned to the precedinguser and the other user, who has been authenticated. In this case, afact that the same accessible storage area is assigned to the precedinguser and the other user means that, for example, the same accessiblestorage areas set in the devices LOCAL, DeviceA, DeviceB, and DeviceCare assigned to the user 0123 and a user 0124 in FIG. 16. When it isdetermined that the same accessible storage area is assigned to thepreceding user and the other user, the process proceeds to step S1103where the other user is allowed to log in to the multi functionalprinter 101. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1406, and thestatus returns to a wait status.

In the third exemplary embodiment, when a preceding user logs out of themulti functional printer 101 during data processing involving anexternal storage area, another user is allowed to log in the multifunctional printer 101 when the same accessible storage area is assignedto the preceding user and the other user. Thus, for example, when thepreceding user, who logged out of the multi functional printer 101,needs to log in to the multi functional printer 101 again or when yetanother user who has the same authority as the preceding user needs tolog in to the multi functional printer 101, they need not wait to log into the multi functional printer 101.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

A fourth exemplary embodiment according to the present invention willnow be described. The description of components similar to those in thefirst exemplary embodiment is omitted here. The fourth exemplaryembodiment is different from the first exemplary embodiment in that, ina case where access to a storage area accessible by a preceding user iskept though the preceding user logs out of the multi functional printer101, another user can submit an instruction to perform functions that donot require an external storage area. The operation is similar to thatof offline log-in shown in the first exemplary embodiment. However, theoperation in the fourth exemplary embodiment is different from offlinelog-in, in that when data processing designated by the preceding userhas been completed, access to an external storage area is enabled, theexternal storage area being associated with the other user logging in tothe multi functional printer 101.

FIG. 15 is the second half of a flowchart of the operation in the fourthexemplary embodiment, which is controlled by the CPU 201. When it isdetermined in step S1107 in FIG. 11 that data processing is ongoing, theprocess proceeds to step S1501. In step S1501, it is determined whethera log-in operation by another user has been detected during the dataprocessing.

When it is determined that a log-in operation by another user has notbeen detected during the data processing, access to a storage areaaccessible by the preceding user is disabled in step S1503 uponcompletion of the data processing, and the status returns to a waitstatus. On the other hand, when it is determined that a log-in operationby another user has been detected during the data processing, theprocess proceeds to step S1504, and user authentication is performed onthe other user. In step S1504, it is determined whether userauthentication has been successfully completed. When it is determinedthat user authentication has not been successfully completed, theprocess proceeds to step S1508 where authentication error handling isperformed, in which, for example, a message stating that userauthentication has failed is displayed on the operation unit 230, andthe status returns to a wait status.

On the other hand, when it is determined that user authentication hasbeen successfully completed, the process proceeds to step S1505 wherethe other user, who has been authenticated, is caused to log in to themulti functional printer 101. However, at this point, access to thestorage area accessible by the preceding user is kept. Thus, the otheruser, who has logged in the multi functional printer 101, cannot submitan instruction to perform data processing in which an external storagearea is used. That is to say, the other user is permitted to use onlyfunctions, for example, a local copy function and an e-mail transmissionfunction, other than the box function. At this point, it is convenientthat a message is displayed on the screen of the operation unit 230,which states that the external storage area cannot be accessed becausethe preceding user's access is kept.

Subsequently, in step S1506, it is determined whether the dataprocessing designated by the preceding user has been completed, in whichan external storage area is used. When it is determined that the dataprocessing has been completed, the process proceeds to step S1507 wherethe preceding user's access to the storage area is disabled. Then, instep S1104 in FIG. 11, access to a storage area accessible by the otheruser is enabled on the basis of information on the storage area.

In the fourth exemplary embodiment, when a preceding user logs out ofthe multi functional printer 101 during data processing in which anexternal storage area is used, another user can perform operations otherthan operations related to data processing in which an external storagearea is used until the data processing designated by the preceding useris completed. Thus, the operating efficiency can be improved.

While the first to fourth exemplary embodiments according to the presentinvention have been described, the present invention is not limited tothese exemplary embodiments. For example, user authentication may not benecessary to execute jobs, for example, a local copy job or atransmission job, other than jobs related to data processing in which anexternal storage area is used.

Moreover, regarding a storage area that is freely accessible, even whenone user's access to the storage area is kept, another user may displayor use the storage area. The storage area may be used without userauthentication.

In the foregoing exemplary embodiments, at the same time a user isauthenticated and logs in to the multi functional printer 101, access toa storage area accessible by the user is enabled. Access to the storagearea may be enabled at a predetermined point in time other than a pointin time when the user logs in to the multi functional printer 101.Specifically, access to the storage area may be enabled when the boxmain screen shown in FIG. 7 is opened or when a predetermined operationis performed while the box main screen is being displayed. Thus, when anoperation involving an external storage area is not performed, access tothe external storage area is disabled, thereby reducing network traffic.

Moreover, in the foregoing exemplary embodiments, when userauthentication is performed, a user ID for identifying a user is used.However, the ID used for user authentication is not limited to an IDcorresponding to each user. Alternatively, a group ID set for each groupor a section ID set for each section may be used.

Moreover, in the foregoing exemplary embodiments, a storage area on thenetwork associated with a logged-in user is accessed with reference tothe table shown in FIG. 16 provided in the authentication server 104 orthe multi functional printer 101. Alternatively, another method may beadopted. For example, access rights to boxes, folders, and the like maybe controlled by individual storage devices on the network. In thiscase, the multi functional printer 101 may send a user ID input from theoperation unit 230 to individual storage devices via the network andobtain information on storage areas accessible by the user ID andinformation on files stored in the storage areas from the individualstorage devices.

The present invention may be applied to a system that includes aplurality of units (for example, a host computer, an interface unit, areader, a printer, and a file server) or a device that includes a singleunit (for example, a network multi functional printer).

The present invention is also achieved by an embodiment in which astorage medium (or a recording medium) that stores program code ofsoftware that performs the functions according to the foregoingexemplary embodiments is provided to a system or a device, and acomputer (or a CPU or a micro processing unit (MPU)) included in thesystem or the device reads and executes the program code stored in thestorage medium. In this case, the program code read from the storagemedium performs the functions according to the foregoing exemplaryembodiments, and thus the present invention includes the computerprogram and the storage medium, which stores the program code. Anoperating system (OS) operating on a computer may execute some or all ofthe actual processing to perform the functions of the foregoingexemplary embodiments according to instructions from the program code.

Moreover, the program code read from the storage medium may be writtento a memory included in, for example, a function expansion card insertedin a computer or a function expansion unit connected to a computer.Then, for example, a CPU included in the function expansion card, thefunction expansion unit, or the like may execute some or all of theactual processing to perform the functions of the foregoing exemplaryembodiments according to instructions from the program code.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all modifications, equivalent structures and functions.

1. A data communication device that can communicate with an externaldevice, the data communication device comprising: a scanner configuredto input image data; a log-in processing unit configured to enable auser to log in to the data communication device, wherein the user whologs in to the data communication device can submit an instruction tosend image data input by the scanner to the external device; a sendingunit configured to send the image data input by the scanner to theexternal device; a log-out processing unit configured to enable the userto log out of the data communication device even if sending of the imagedata is not completed, wherein, even if the user logs out of the datacommunication device after the user has submitted the instruction andbefore sending of the image data is completed, the sending unitcontinues the sending of the image data.
 2. The data communicationdevice according to claim 1, further comprising: an input unitconfigured to input identification information, wherein the log-inprocessing unit enables the user to log in to the data communicationdevice based on the input identification information.
 3. The datacommunication device according to claim 2, wherein the log-in processingunit sends the input identification information to an authenticationserver, and the authentication server compares the input identificationinformation with a plurality of pieces of identification informationregistered in advance.
 4. The data communication device according toclaim 1, further comprising: a printer configured to perform printing.5. A data communication device comprising: a scanner configured to inputimage data; a storage unit configured to store image data; a log-inprocessing unit configured to enable a user to log in to the datacommunication device, wherein the user who logs in to the datacommunication device can submit an instruction to store image data inputby the scanner in the storage unit; an accessing unit configured tostore the image data input by the scanner in the storage unit; a log-outprocessing unit configured to enable the user to log out of the datacommunication device even if storing of the image data is not completed,wherein, even if the user logs out of the data communication deviceafter the user has submitted the instruction and before storing of theimage data is completed, the accessing unit continues the storing of theimage data.
 6. The data communication device according to claim 5,further comprising: an input unit configured to input identificationinformation, wherein the log-in processing unit enables the user to login to the data communication device based on the input identificationinformation.
 7. The data communication device according to claim 6,wherein the log-in processing unit sends the input identificationinformation to an authentication server, and the authentication servercompares the input identification information with a plurality of piecesof identification information registered in advance.
 8. The datacommunication device according to claim 5, further comprising: a printerconfigured to perform printing.
 9. A data communication method forcommunicating with an external device, the data communication methodcomprising: enabling a user to log in to a data communication device,wherein the user who logs in to the data communication device can submitan instruction to send image data input by a scanner to the externaldevice; inputting image data using the scanner; sending the image datainput by the scanner to the external device; enabling the user to logout of the data communication device even if sending of the image datais not completed, wherein, even if the user logs out of the datacommunication device after the user has submitted the instruction andbefore sending of the image data is completed, the sending of the imagedata is continued.
 10. A data communication method for storing imagedata in a storage device, the data communication method comprising:enabling a user to log in to a data communication device, wherein theuser who logs in to the data communication device can submit aninstruction to store image data input by a scanner in the storagedevice; inputting image data using the scanner; storing the image datainput by the scanner in the storage device; enabling the user to log outof the data communication device even if storing of the image data isnot completed, wherein, even if the user logs out of the datacommunication device after the user has submitted the instruction andbefore storing of the image data is completed, the storing of the imagedata is continued.